FAQs

Any current 5th, 6th, or 7th-grade student in the zoned areas for Richland School District Two can apply for magnet school openings.  Students in TLC typically have scored in the 75% percentile or higher on the English MAP test, Met/Exceeded on English SC Ready Testing, or have similar scores on other norm-referenced assessments.

The Learning Collaborative (TLC) is intentionally designed to meet the needs of high-achieving, highly motivated students through a rigorous and engaging academic experience. While all courses align with required state standards, TLC emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, meaningful collaboration, and increasing student ownership of learning.

Students are encouraged to think deeply, ask purposeful questions, and take responsibility for their academic growth. Through a focus on core mastery and mentoring, TLC helps students develop the skills needed to acquire, analyze, and apply information in authentic ways.

Learning extends beyond the classroom through immersive field studies and hands-on experiences that strengthen connections between content, peers, and the real world. These opportunities, paired with collaborative and inquiry-based instruction, elevate the middle school experience and prepare students to thrive as confident, independent learners.

Once your student and family have decided where to apply, your first step is to complete an online application at https://webapps.richland2.org/choice/.  You may select up to three programs for which to apply; be sure that they are placed in the order you would like your student to be considered. Once this is complete, you will be contacted about an interview time during our District-wide interview session.  During the interview portion, students will be asked to bring and explain an artifact that represents them. That day also consists of an observed group activity and a timed writing sample.   Families will then need to log back into the Choice Portal to check on acceptance status.

Students are scored on their personal interview, writing sample, and collaborative activity during their interview day.  Additional considerations include test scores, class grade averages, and teacher recommendations.

TLC offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to world language and the arts. Latin is taught by a dedicated Latin teacher and serves as the required language for all 6th-grade TLC students. This instruction is intentionally connected to their core curriculum, where students apply Greek and Latin roots to strengthen vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and critical thinking.

Through this integrated model, students work toward core mastery while developing strong collaboration and problem-solving skills. TLC students also benefit from access to Dent Middle School’s FAME arts-integrated program, which offers a wide range of high-quality elective courses taught by talented arts educators.

Many students participate in year-long offerings such as band and orchestra, while others explore electives including graphic design, world drumming, theater, and dance. In 7th and 8th grade, students may apply for advanced courses in several of these areas, allowing them to further develop their talents and pursue their interests at a deeper level.